Wanting to visit the Valley of Temples we were faced with some problems to find the type of hotel we prefer, comfortable 3/4 star, in a relaxing area, with balcony and decent views.

Having read fairly negative reviews of some Agrigento hotels, including one that looks directly onto the temples, I did more research on Villa Romana which is located on a beach just west of Porto Empedocle. PE is a sorry little port settlement that saw better days 400 years BC, it does however have a couple of decent restaurants.

We were so glad to have chosen Villa Romana as Agrigento is a large, traffic choked and untidy city on top of hills. Unless one is determined to visit every baroque church in Sicily I can see no reason to want to visit Agrigento - apart from the Valley of Temples which fortunately sits below and away from the city.

Villa Romana is a surprisingly modern/new hotel with fixtures and decorative finish that seem to be almost excessive, over an above anything else that is available in the immediate vicinity.

The hotel sits in its own walled compound, has a large and attractive pool area plus adequate car parking. From the gated entrance you can walk onto the very long beach which is no doubt quite busy during the season although there are no other hotels on the beach so it should never seem too busy.
The layout is a little strange in that rooms are in two wings running back from the beach but we managed to get 311 which has the best balcony nearest to the beach and providing 180 degree views. If you don't like balconies that look at opposite balconies and walls do request/insist on sea view.

The room was very comfortable, with modern fittings, and very quiet. The balconies of the top floor rooms are very large with sun loungers, chairs, table and sun umbrella. These top floor balconies are adjacent and attached so rooms 308, 309 and 310 look to the sea across the balcony of 311.

Staff were friendly and helpful, breakfast was adequate and the restaurant served reasonable food in the evening - your own food and wine on the balcony is also a pleasant end to a day.

Internet access is possible at reception - they provide a good laptop with wireless connection, cost E3.

We stayed 3 nights 17/18/19 November and enjoyed the peaceful sunrises and sunsets - no doubt the whole area is buzzing in the season and then Villa Romana could be a real oasis retreat at the end of the day.